[overthehill]

Hi everyone,


Quite frankly, I am at a loss and don't know what to do. I have researched these forums and am still bewildered, so I ask for some help please.


I have a new Pioneer 912K receiver being used with 2 new Def. Tech. 2002tl fronts (wired with a 14 gage speaker cable as all other channels), a 2500 center, and 2 bp2x surrounds.


The problem is that when I try to play movies or music with a lot of information at high levels (about 95db output read with a RS DB meter) the pioneer shuts down with an overload in about 3 seconds or less. I can keep it going with about a top level of around 90 db or a little less.


I believe I have read enough to understand that the reason is that the pioneer just can't handle it although I guess I had did my research and thought it would. I know the speakers can have an impeadance in the range of 4-8 ohms.



Well anyhow, I now have spent considerable time trying to figure out what receiver may do better in the ~$1000 or less range, without comming to a conclusion, and this is where I need the help with anything you may suggest.


I thank you in advance,

 

[BillyD]

At 90db or greater most receivers will shut down. You are forgetting one thing and that is music peaks. The amount of power it takes to get to 90db+ is clipping the amp. If you want to play at that level invest in high power separates.

 

[manufanatic]

Your receiver although not my choice to run Def Techs should be fine. Check your wiring and ensure you havent switched the positive and negative leads. If that fails then switch out with another receiver and see if the same thing happens. Most reputable stereo stores will let you take a receiver home and test it with your equipment. If after testing with another source the same thing happens notify your dealer who sold you the Def Techs to get them serviced. I dont think its the Def Techs though I would bet that its either how you hooked them up or your getting a voltage dropout somehow.

 

[naschbac]

I have Def Tech BP8-B's all the way around except for a ProCenter C2 center channel.


I used to have a Denon 2803, but I upgraded to a NAD T762.


The Def Tech's have generally bright tweeters and mid-woofers. So having a receiver which has a "warmer" sounding amps section can do a lot to make the speakers sound really natural.


Denon's work well for this, but I'd probably recommend a Harman Kardon AVR 525 or AVR 7200 (which can be had for $999 now) if you need a lot of processing features.


If lots of digital features isn't as big a concern for you I'd give the NAD T752 or T762 a shot and see what you think.


Of all the receivers I looked at the HK's sounded best with Def Tech speakers with exception of the NAD, which I didn't get a chance to listen to until I bought it However I'm very finicky and I have kept and am very happy with the NAD>


My biggest problem with the HK was the look and build quality really, but you might find those things don't bother you. When I really drove it hard I don't think it performed as well as the NAD, but in most situations I think you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference.


-Nathan

 

[Larry Fine]

Over, as the owner of an all-DefTech system, I can tell you that they thrive on power. Not counting the two 300-watt built-in sub amps, my total amplification is 1600 watts. Just enough, in my opinion; it does loud very well.


The 2002TL's are rated "4 to 8 ohms", which means they average below 8 ohms (more like 6), which means they're a tough load for a receiver to run loud when, as most Pioneer receivers are switchable, it is set to 8 ohms, and the 4-ohm setting reduces the output voltage. It helps reduce overheating, but limits max power, too.


If it weren't for your $-limit, I'd recommend (what else?) the Sunfire Ultimate Receiver .

 

[DB1]

Many Def Tech Towers reach under 4 ohms in some circumstances.

 

[Tenchi211]

I've found Yamaha amplifiers and receivers a good fit with the Definitives. Quite frankly it sounds like it may be a problem with your receiver. Perhaps a connection problem? Definitives have a pretty high sensitivity rating and pose no problems getting high volume from lower power amps and receivers. My old Definitive Tech DR-7 speakers had no problems being driven to high volume levels using a 50 watt/ch Proton amp. You should not have the problems you spoke of overthehill under normal operating conditions.

-Mike.

 

[pgatour]

How about keeping your Pioneer receiver, using it as a preamp, and getting an amp to power those speakers.


I have nearly the same setup: Bp2002tl mains, clr2002 center and BP2x surrounds. I use a Rotel 1055 as preamp and Rotel 1075 amp. It sounds wonderful to me.


And you should be able to get a brand new Rotel 1075 for around $850-$900.


Neal

 

[Ted Pugh]

I own the Definite Tech 2002 TL's with CLR 2500 and the BP2x surrounds. I use to push these speakers with a Denon 4802 and they would play loud without any issues. About 5 months ago I purchased a B&K 200.5 amp and started using the Denon as a pre/pro. What a difference it made. The low end was much more pronounced and the highs sound more crisp and clear. All and all I agree with Larry and would recommend more power. Def Tech's usually have no problems with receivers but to get the best out of them pump in the power.

 

[overthehill]

Many thanks to all of you that replied. I have bought the HK 7200 from One Call and am setting it up now. The additional power is amazing over the Pioneer.


I am getting another pair of BP2X's for the rear. I have run 100 DB in the room with a 0db setting on the amp with no problems after 15 minutes. The unit was quite warm but not hot. I have the unit fully open to the room.



The only thing that bothers me, and I'm going to contact HK about it, is, that I have a HD output via component from my cable SA 3250 box going into the 7200. The output from the SA box is always on. Well, I switch to any other video in (there are 4) the output from the SA comes through to the TV and over rides the other S-video input I am trying to see (camera).


I have to remove the component input to the 7200 for it to work correctly.



Hope I have explained coherently but thanks for listening and any thoughts?



Al

 

[overthehill]

Problem solved! HK was great on the service. I was misunderstanding how the component inputs worked.


Many thanks again. All is working well now.


Al